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Tally and Sarah had finished their dinner and were sitting by the fireplace in Sarah’s office. They enjoyed each other's company but Tally could only enjoy the silence for so long.
“Tell me something I don’t know about you,” Tally suddenly said, bringing Sarah out of her trance from watching the fireplace.
“You’ve seen my most intimate memories, Tally. I’m not sure how much is left.”
“You’ve been alive for like a thousand years. I’m sure there is something.” Tally gave Sarah the best puppy dog eyes she could muster.
Sarah chuckled before responding. “Hardly a thousand, darling. Let me think for a moment.” Sarah looked at Tally and marveled at how beautiful this woman was. Sarah felt so connected to Tally, so deeply and fully connected to her, that the thought of her not knowing every single detail of Sarah’s life seemed unacceptable. She began listing off all of the things she could think of like the fact that Sarah has never seen the movie Titanic, absolutely abhors the color yellow, and can’t quite understand the obsession over boy bands.
“My favorite animals are horses too. I quite enjoy horseback riding.” Tally smiled deeply and gestured for Sarah to continue. “Horses were extremely important in my day. Ya know, a thousand years ago.” Tally blushed which caused a deep laugh from Sarah’s chest. “Horses essentially determined your success. They aided in work and were the only means of travel besides foot. Horseback riding was a necessary life skill.”
“I’ve never even seen a horse, let alone rode one.” Tally seemed embarrassed by this admission which set something aflame in Sarah.
“Well that won’t do. Tomorrow after classes, we will go to the stables on campus and I will teach you how to ride, darling.”
“We have horses on campus!?” Tally sat up quickly, her excitement evident.
Sarah smiled, tickled by Tally’s genuine excitement. “I keep a few horses on campus. You’ll be the first person I’ve shared them with.” Sarah’s expression softened as she looked at Tally. “You are the only person I could imagine sharing them with, Tally.” They kissed deeply, full of warmth and love for one another before Tally pulled away.
“Oh, Goddess. What if I fall off?” Tally looked at Sarah with genuine concern before Sarah pulled her in for another kiss.
“You’re going to be great, my love.” Sarah held Tally close, excitement blooming in her chest at the thought of sharing this with Tally.
___________________
The next afternoon, Tally could barely keep up with Sarah on their way to the stables. She had never seen Sarah so excited for something. Well, besides sex. They made their way to a small building, a few workers strewn about the outside. Sarah took Tally’s hand in her own before heading through the side door of the building. Once they were inside, Tally took a sharp inhale.
“Are you ok?” Sarah turned to Tally, concern showing on her face and in her voice.
“She’s so beautiful, Sarah.” Tally was looking at one of two horses in the stables. She let go of Sarah’s hand and slowly walked toward the most beautiful animal she had ever seen. Before her, a large, brown horse stood, a singular white stripe running down its face.
“That’s Shimmer. “ Sarah approached them both, Shimmer reacting to Sarah’s presence. Sarah reached a hand out as Shimmer leaned her head forward. Sarah rubbed the front of Shimmer’s head, gently whispering terms of endearment to the horse. She reached down and guided Tally’s hesitant hand to rest on the side of Shimmer’s face. Shimmer let out a puff of air which scared Tally, causing her to pull her hand back.
“It’s ok, love. She likes you.” Sarah smiled at Tally who was rapidly blushing. “Come on, I’ll show you how to put the saddle on.” Sarah proceeded to show Tally the ins and outs of the saddle, how to fasten it to make sure it was comfortable for Shimmer, and explained the different parts of the equipment. Once Shimmer was ready, Sarah guided them outside, Tally shyly following.
“I’m going to show you some of the basics before you get started. Ok, darling?” Tally nodded as Sarah swiftly climbed into the saddle in one fluid motion. Tally’s breath hitched at just how hot Sarah was. Sarah was incredibly fit, Tally knew, but seeing her in action always made Tally weak at the knees.
Sarah seemed to notice Tally’s squirming and smirked back at her. She proceeded to walk Tally through the basics of how to hold the reins, how to gently press her legs into Shimmer’s sides for her to move, and how to gently pull the reins for Shimmer to turn. “What do you think? Would you like to try, darling?”
Tally looked up at Sarah, expression full of concern and nerves. “Would you prefer to be up here with me?” Tally perked up at that, relief washing over her. Sarah nodded and then dismounted Shimmer, patting her on the side. Sarah held her hand out for Tally and helped her climb onto Shimmer. Sarah followed suit, settling behind Tally. She could feel Tally shaking slightly and settled in closer, taking Tally’s hands and putting them on the reins. Tally relaxed into her, feeling relieved Sarah was right there with her.
They rode for what seemed like hours, Sarah pressed against Tally and Tally relaxed into Sarah. By the end, Tally was giddy and asked Sarah if they could do this again.
“Of course. Whatever you want, my love.”
Tally smiled and kissed Sarah before pulling back suddenly. Sarah looked at her, eyebrows raised.
“Now it’s my turn to teach you.” Tally pulled Sarah into another kiss, Sarah wondering what Tally had in mind.
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They had managed to borrow an older Honda Civic from one of the officers on base, for “official military use,” of course. Tally had driven them to an empty lot near Fort Salem so Sarah could practice. Once they arrived, Tally went over the necessary checks to make before driving and the very basics of how to operate the car. She had Sarah’s full attention, with the exception of the moments Sarah’s gaze had drifted to her ass when she was bent over, explaining tire pressure. Once Tally felt Sarah had enough of the basics, they hopped into the car and fastened their seat belts.
“Are you ready?” Tally asked, trying to be as encouraging as possible.
“Indeed,” was Sarah’s stiff reply.
They sat there for a few moments, Sarah’s hands on the wheel, the car still not started. Tally wanted to ask again but didn’t want to rush Sarah. The silence continued, Sarah’s hands still on the wheel, Tally sitting as still as possible, hoping not to startle Sarah.
Softly, Tally spoke. “It’s ok to be nervous, Sarah.”
“I am not nervous.” Sarah turned and looked at Tally with a slightly ruffled brow. Tally could see that she was genuine. There wasn’t nervousness behind her eyes but fear. Tally’s expression softened as she reached over and cupped Sarah’s cheek. Sarah leaned into the touch and her eyes closed as she spoke. “Tally Craven. You are the most important person in my life. To think of something happening to you because I may not be good at this..” she opened her eyes, unshed tears threatening to spill.
“I have never seen you be bad at something, Sarah. And besides, the only thing that has a risk of getting hurt is that lamp post over there.” Tally gestured toward one of the only lamp posts in the empty lot, causing Sarah to let out a soft chuckle. “I promise this will be ok.” Tally smiled at Sarah as she brushed her thumb over Sarah’s cheek.
Sarah kissed Tally’s thumb before giving her a small nod. She reached down and turned the key in the ignition, bringing the car to a rumbling start.
“Whenever you’re ready, foot on the brake and then shift into drive, just like we talked about.” Tally spoke confidently and encouragingly, hoping her confidence was reassuring. Sarah adjusted her foot onto the brake pedal before placing her hand on the gear shifter. She stilled again, her fear preventing her from continuing. Tally gently placed her hand over Sarah’s and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “We can go as slowly as you need, ok?” Sarah looked at Tally, suddenly feeling overcome with gratitude. If Tally trusted her with doing this seemingly mundane but potentially dangerous thing, surely she could trust herself. With Tally’s hand atop her own, Sarah finally shifted the car into drive.
Tally wasn’t surprised by how quickly Sarah had taken to driving. At first, Sarah had pressed the gas pedal so lightly, Tally wasn’t sure they were even moving. After an hour or so, Sarah was successfully driving around the lot, a smile on her face. Once she felt satisfied with her newfound driving skill, Sarah parked the car and shut it off.
“Thank you for teaching me, darling.” Sarah took Tally’s hand in her own, brought it up to her mouth, and placed several kisses in her palm and over her knuckles.
Tally smiled at Sarah, her dimples on full display. “I’m so proud of you.” After a few moments, Tally’s smile grew into a smirk which caused Sarah to raise an eyebrow. “There is one other thing I can teach you about cars.” Tally unbuckled them both and started to climb into Sarah’s lap. The task was difficult; the car was small but Tally was determined. She settled into Sarah’s lap, resting her hands on her shoulders while Sarah rested hers on Tally’s waist. Tally kissed Sarah passionately, her hands drifting to Sarah’s chest. Sarah leaned into Tally’s touch, causing Tally’s back to press against the horn on the steering wheel. The sudden noise caused them both to jump before falling into a fit of laughter.
Tally placed a kiss on Sarah’s cheek. “Ok, so maybe not the greatest idea. Sarah Alder, will you take me back to your place?”
“I’d be delighted, my love.”
Tally shuffled back into her seat before they both fastened their seatbelts. With newfound confidence, Sarah started driving them back to Fort Salem.